Saturday, February 13, 2010

Like many other aboriginal cultures around the world have the Canadian Arctic Inuit use of drums in some of their traditional music for centuries. Inuit drum dancing played a part in many special occasions such as births, marriages, a young Inuit hunting first, the change of seasons, greetings for visitors or for someone who had died of honor. News of these special events was spread by word of mouth and many Inuit traveled great distances to attend.

The Inuit Drumwas called qilaut traditionally made of sealskin or caribou, walrus skin around the neck. Before, Inuit drum dancing was most often done by men, but eventually played both men and women. There are several songs called ajaaja Inuit drum dancing were sung. In the past many had their own songs ajaaja were unique and personal, related to their life experiences. There were also many songs that have been handed down for many generations ofInuit.

Like Inuit throat singing has been the practice of Inuit drum dance by Christian missionaries banned for many years. Finally, the Inuit were once again justified their drum dances. However, Inuit drum dancing is not as important today to Inuit life as it once was since western lifestyles have such a large part of the north of the Arctic. Inuit drum dancing is still sometimes symbolic celebrations such as opening ceremonies for conferences, festivals,Promotions and events for tourists. Watching an Inuit drum dancer bring his music can be almost hypnotic and is one of the specialties of Inuit culture, which will be appreciated by all. Inuit drum dancers are a common subject for Inuit art sculptures and drawings. Inuit artists have also equipped some of their animal patients with Inuit drums.